Final Score Power Index - an objective evaluation of NFL teams, based on final scores of games played.

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

NFL Week 8 Picks

Game

APR

SRS

Line

Saints @Rams

Saintsρ=1.4748

Saints*δ=27.7

Saints-15½

Browns @49ers

49ersρ=1.3864

49ersδ=23.4

49ers-9

Cardinals @Ravens

Ravensρ=1.3149

Ravensδ=18.4

Ravens-13

Lions @Broncos

Lionsρ=1.2055

Lions*δ=16.5

Lions-3½

Redskins @Bills

Billsρ=1.2044

Billsδ=9.7

Bills-6

Patriots @Steelers

Patriotsρ=1.1733

Patriots*δ=8.3

Patriots-2½

Colts @Titans

Titansρ=1.1705

Titansδ=11.8

Titans-9

Dolphins @Giants

Giantsρ=1.1700

Giantsδ=5.6

Giants-10

Bengals @Seahawks

Bengalsρ=1.1645

Bengals*δ=7.6

Bengals-2½

Jaguars @Texans

Texansρ=1.1293

Texansδ=10.4

Texans-9½

Cowboys @Eagles

Cowboysρ=1.0809

Cowboys*δ=6.6

Eagles-3½

Chargers @Chiefs

Chargersρ=1.0424

Chargers*δ=7.1

Chargers-3

Vikings @Panthers

Vikings*ρ=1.0008

Panthersδ=2.9

Panthers-3

Bye: Falcons, Bears, Packers, Jets, Raiders, Buccaneers

Comments:

Only two split picks this week, including the Rookie vs. Rookie
matchup of Vikings @ Panthers. I've got to agree with the Line on
this one—Cam Newton, with more experience as a starter,
playing at home, should have the advantage.

On the other hand, if the Cowboys are underrated right
now, this is a game they need to win. The Eagles have given up
more turnovers than any other team in the league (17), and the
Cowboys aren't that far behind (13), so like most games for these
two teams, the outcome will be determined by who takes better care
of the ball.

Four years ago, the Lions got off to a 6-2 start, before
spiraling into an epic 5-33 losing streak that stretched over four
seasons. Their last win on that 6-2 start was a dominating game
over the Denver Broncos. Now, they need to beat the Broncos again
to avoid a 3-game losing streak that, while much shorter, could
seem just as disasterous to a team that is still trying to
establish its confidence.

Bengals are another team facing a tough road game, and one that
should give us some idea of how good they are. Even as bad as the
Seahawks have been on the road, they've been a tough team to beat
at home.